Structured shower curtain

ABSTRACT

A structured shower curtain includes a shower curtain shell having an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge, and one or more one vertical extending pockets, where structural elements are disposed in each pocket. The structural elements, when viewed from a side view, protrude outwardly to prevent intrusion of the shower curtain into the shower area upon use. The locations of the pockets may be patterned to optimize such outward protrusion.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/280,092, entitled “‘The Curve’ Structured Shower Curtain,” filed on Jan. 18, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to shower curtains, and, more particularly, to showered curtains having structured regions.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Shower curtains are oftentimes used to restrict water from exiting the shower area. In some cases, the shower curtain can billow inwards towards the stream of water and the person showering, which in turn may cause the curtain to cling to the body of the person and create an unpleasant environment. Depending on the size of the shower area, an inwardly billowing shower curtain can significantly reduce available showering area.

SUMMARY

The disclosed systems and methods utilize a structural element or elements to provide for increased rigidity of a shower curtain, which can allow the shower curtain to maintain its shape and avoid billowing inwardly.

In an example, a structured shower curtain can include a shower curtain shell comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge, at least one pocket adapted to be disposed on the shower curtain shell, and at least one structural element adapted to be disposed in the at least one pocket. The pocket extends a length between the upper portion and the lower portion. The structural element has a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second end. When viewed from a side elevation, the elongated portion protrudes outwardly from the first end and the second end. Upon disposing the at least one structural element in the at least one pocket, the shower curtain shell forms a protrusion between the upper portion and the lower portion when viewed from the side view.

In some examples, a method of using a structured shower curtain includes first providing a shower curtain shell that includes an upper portion a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge. At least one pocket that extends a length between the upper portion and the lower portion is disposed on the shower curtain shell. At least one structural element is disposed in the pocket. The structural element has a first end a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second end. When viewed from a side view, the elongated portion protrudes outwardly from the first end and the second end. Upon disposing the at least one structural element in the at least one pocket and when viewed from the side view, the shower curtain shell forms a protrusion between the upper portion and the lower portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures, and in which:

FIG. 1 comprises a front elevation view of an example structured shower curtain assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 comprises a side elevation view of the example structured shower curtain assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 comprises a perspective view of the example structured shower curtain assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, whereby a pocket is disposed on a portion of a shower curtain shell in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 comprises a front elevation view of an example structural element for the structured shower curtain assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 comprises a side elevation view of the example structural element of FIG. 4 for the structured shower curtain assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 comprises a bottom plan view of the example structural element of FIGS. 4 and 5 for the structured shower curtain assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 comprises a side elevation view of example structural elements of a structured shower curtain assembly being coupled together in accordance with various aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 comprises a side elevation view of example structural elements of a structured shower curtain assembly being coupled together in a manner in which the elongated section of each structural element protrude in opposing directions in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures, a structured shower curtain 100 can include a shower curtain shell 110 having an upper portion 112, a lower portion 114, a first edge 116, and a second edge 118. The first edge 116 and the second edge 118 are both outer edges of the curtain 100 and extend substantially, vertically when the curtain 100 is deployed. These edges 116 and 118 define the width of the shower curtain shell 110. The structured shower curtain 100 further includes at least one pocket 120 adapted to be disposed on the shower curtain shell 110 and at least one structural element 130 adapted to be disposed in the at least one pocket 120.

The shower curtain shell 110 may be constructed from any suitable material such as, for example, any number or combination of fabrics, polymers, and/or any other generally pliable materials. Other examples are possible. The shower curtain shell 110 may have a number of additional features (e.g., a shower rod coupling portion 111, openings or grommet holes 113, and the like) which, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed in further detail. The lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110 is adapted to be a free end positioned inside of a bathtub or shower sill and is not secured to the bathtub (or shower sill) or adjacent structures, thereby allowing for ease of opening and/or closing of the shower curtain shell 110 in addition to allowing the shower curtain shell to bow outwards at varying degrees.

The pocket 120 has an upper portion 122 and a lower portion 124 and is adapted to extend a length between the upper portion 112 and the lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110 on an inner surface. The pocket 120 is generally hollow to accommodate the structural element 130. The pocket 120 can have any shape such as ovoid, circular, triangular, rectangular, and the like. In some examples, the pocket 120 may also include an opening 128 disposed at a length near the lower portion 124. The pocket 120 can span the entire length between the upper portion 112 and the lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110 or alternatively can span a portion of this length. The pocket 120 can be constructed from any number of materials such as plastics, fabrics, and the like. Other examples are possible. The pocket may also have an indented opening at the upper portion 122 to assist in inserting and/or removing the structural element 130.

The pocket 120 may have any desired width such as, for example, between approximately ½ in. and approximately 10 in. Other examples are possible. In some examples, the pocket 120 is coupled to the shower curtain shell 110 using any number of approaches such as heat sealing, adhesives and/or fasteners (e.g., glues, buttons, zippers, and the like). In other examples, the pocket 120 may be formed directly by the shower curtain shell 110 by folding over a portion of the shell material to form an elongated loop spanning a desired distance between the upper portion 112 and the lower portion 114. Other examples are possible. It will be understood that any number of pockets 120 may be disposed on the shower curtain shell 110 at any desired location between the first edge 116 and the second edge 118 and can be spaced any desired distance apart from adjacent pockets 120. Additionally, it is understood that the pockets 120 can be arranged in non-vertical configurations relative to the upper portion 112 and the lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110, and can be disposed on the shower curtain shell 110 to form patterns, symbols, and the like.

The structural element 130 includes a first end 132, a second end 134, and an elongated portion 136 between the first end 132 and the second end 134. In some examples, the structural element 130 may be a batten or other similar component. The structural element 130 may be constructed from any number or combination of suitable materials such as plastics, wood, fibers (e.g., carbon fiber), metals, and the like and may have any suitable dimensions and/or shapes which correspond to the dimensions and/or shapes of the pocket 120. In examples where a number of pockets 120 are used, a corresponding number of structural elements 130 may also be used.

When viewed from a side view and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the elongated portion 136 of the structural element 130 protrudes outwardly from the first end 132 and the second end 134. In other words, the elongated portion 136 may have a generally bowed configuration. For example, the elongated portion 136 may have a generally arcuate configuration having a generally constant curvature. In other examples, the protrusion may have a varying curvature to allow for localized areas of increased protrusion where desired. In still other examples, the elongated portion 136 may have a generally angled configuration formed from a number of generally linear sections which combine to form a desired angle. Other approaches for shapes and configurations of the protrusion of the elongated portion 136 are possible. The elongated portion 136 and/or the entire structural element 130 may be constructed from a resilient material that, in a natural state or disposition, forms the protrusion, but if a force is applied to the protrusion, the structural element 130 may flex and be temporarily deformed.

In some of these examples, the structural element 130 may be constructed from a number of distinct sections which are adapted to couple to each other. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-8, the structural element 130 can include coupling portions 138 and 139, whereby a coupling portion 138 of a first structural element 130 can engage the coupling portion 139 of a second structural element 130. In the example depicted in FIGS. 4-8, the coupling portion 138 is a thin extension that can be slidably friction fit into the coupling portion 139 which is in the form of a slot. The coupling portions 138, 139 can be any number of grooves, snaps, connectors, locking mechanisms, and other desired devices to secure sections of the structural element 130 together. As a result, the length of the structural element 130 can be adjusted to accommodate different shower dimensions as needed. For example, when being used in bathtubs or showers having a low overall height, fewer structural element portions can be used as needed. Conversely, in arrangements such as standalone showers having high ceiling heights, additional structural elements 130 may be needed in order to fully span the height of the shower curtain shell 110. Additionally, different portions of the structural element 130 can be turned or rotated so that instead of forming a generally continuous, “C” shaped protrusion, the elongated portion may form an “S” shaped protrusion, when viewed from a side profile. Other examples are possible depending on the configuration of the individual protrusions of the elongated portions 136.

In examples where the structural element 130 is constructed from a number of distinct sections, after coupling the sections together, the structural element 130 may be inserted into the pocket 120. In the example depicted in FIG. 3, the upper portion 122 of the pocket 120 may have an opening to accept the structural element 130. In some examples, the lower portion 124 of the pocket 120 may be closed (e.g., using stitching, fasteners, and/or adhesives) to restrict the structural element 130 from sliding out. As illustrated in FIG. 2, upon disposing the structural element 130 in the pocket 120, the shower curtain shell 110 bends outwardly and forms a corresponding protrusion between the upper portion and the lower portion when viewed from the side. As a result, when the structured shower curtain 100 is installed in a shower, the protrusion will extend outwardly from the shower region which in turn provides additional room for the user to shower without having the shower curtain shell 110 contact and cling to the user's body.

When the structural elements 130 are disposed in the pockets 120 and the shower curtain 100 hangs from a rod or other hanging assembly, an outer surface of the shower curtain shell 110 contacts an inner edge or a lip of the bathtub or shower sill. The shower curtain shell can freely slide along the edge, and can also pivot about the edge to provide more or less shower volume as desired. For example, a user can push any number of the structural elements 130 outwards (i.e., out of the shower area) to create more space inside of the shower.

As briefly mentioned, the lower portion 124 of the pocket 120 may include an opening 128. This opening 128 allows a user to remove all or a portion (i.e., after uncoupling desired lengths of the distinct sections) of the structural element 130 from the pocket 120 without having to completely remove the structured shower curtain 100 from its installed location. For example, in environments where the shower has irregular dimensions (e.g., in a shower-bathtub combination unit where the tub sidewall height is non-standard), a portion of the structural element 130 may be removed to allow for the structured shower curtain 100 to be properly dimensioned.

In some arrangements, each of the pockets 120 are placed directly under grommet holes 113 extending longitudinally to from the upper portion 112 to the lower portion 114. By placing the pockets 120 under the grommet holes 113, interior space of the shower area, specifically the upper portion 112, is maximized due to opposing forces of the grommet holes 113 (and shower hooks) resisting the structural elements 130 from moving inwards into the shower area.

In some examples, the pockets 120 and structural elements 130 can be placed at diminishing intervals near the center of the shower curtain shell 110. In other words, the structural elements 130 can be patterned in a manner where a density of the structural elements 130 increases towards the center of the shower curtain shell 110.

As a non-limiting example, as FIG. 1 illustrates, shower curtains often include twelve grommet holes 113 disposed evenly across the length of the curtain. The pockets 120 and structural elements 130 can be placed under the fourth, sixth, seventh, and ninth grommet holes 113 (counting from left to right). Such a configuration maximizes structural rigidity closer to the center of the shower area which in turn can increase the overall protrusion away from the shower area and accordingly provide for less shower curtain intrusiveness. Other examples of patterns are possible.

A width of each pocket 120 can be equal to or less than a diameter of each grommet hole 130 to increase overall rigidity of the structured shower curtain 100 and to allow for the shower curtain shell 110 to be easily moved between open and closed configurations.

In some examples, the structural element 130 can be dimensioned to terminate at or near a ledge or edge of the tub or shower. Accordingly, an outer surface of the structural element 130 can contact an inner surface of the shower ledge, and a remaining length of the shower curtain shell 110 can extend downwards in a shape closely mirroring the shape of the shower ledge or bathtub sidewall. So configured, a minimal amount of the shower curtain will project inwards into the shower area.

In some examples, a weighted element or elements can be added to the lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110. The weights can provide a balancing force to the center of gravity of the structured shower curtain 100. Additionally, the weighted elements can cause a substantial amount of the curtain 100 to be disposed outwardly from a vertical center of gravity line denoted by “L” in FIG. 2 which advantageously prevents the lower portion 114 of the shower curtain shell 110 from protruding into the shower area.

The weighted element or elements can insert into a generally horizontal pocket 115 in the shower curtain shell 110. In these examples, the pockets 120 may terminate at a distance above the generally horizontal pocket 115 to allow for the weight to be inserted without obstructing structural elements 130. Alternatively, the generally horizontal pocket 115 may be integral to the shower curtain shell 115 by way of forming a loop of the shell material, and the pocket or pockets 120 may be adapted to couple to an inner surface of the shower curtain shell 110 as well as the outer surface of the formed loop. The weighted element or elements can be dimensioned and spaced apart at any desired distance that will still allow the curtain 100 to open and close. In some alternatives, a number of individual weights may be directly inserted into any number of pockets 120 using the openings 128.

In some examples using a number of structural elements 130, each or any number of the structural elements 130 can have varying protrusion geometries. In other words, the protrusions may cause the overall shape of the shower curtain shell 110 to be modified to accommodate varying shower geometries. For example, structural elements 130 near the first edge 116 of the shower curtain shell 110 may have a protrusion with a greater curvature than structural elements 130 near the second edge 118 of the shower curtain shell 110. As another example, structural elements 130 near the middle of the shower curtain shell 110 may have protrusions with a greater curvature than structural elements near both the first edge 116 and the second edge 118 of the shower curtain shell 110. Other examples are possible.

By disposing the pockets 120 (and accordingly, the structural elements 130) on the inner surface of the shower curtain shell 110, the shower curtain shell can easily be moved between open and closed configurations because the outer surface of the shower curtain shell, which is adapted to contact an edge of the bathtub or shower ledge, is largely free of disturbances that may impact movement.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A structured shower curtain comprising: a shower curtain shell comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge; at least one pocket adapted to be disposed on the shower curtain shell, wherein the at least one pocket extends a length between the upper portion and the lower portion; and at least one structural element adapted to be disposed in the at least one pocket, the at least one structural element having a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second end, wherein when viewed from a side view, the elongated portion protrudes outwardly from the first end and the second end; wherein upon disposing the at least one structural element in the at least one pocket, the shower curtain shell forms a protrusion between the upper portion and the lower portion when viewed from the side view.
 2. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, further comprising at least one grommet hole adapted to support the shower curtain shell on a curtain rod, wherein the at least one pocket is disposed beneath the at least one grommet hole.
 3. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the elongated portion of the at least one structural element comprises a generally bowed configuration.
 4. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the elongated portion of the at least one structural element comprises a plurality of generally linear sections which combine to form an angle.
 5. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least one structural element comprises a plurality of sections adapted to be coupled together.
 6. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least one structural element comprises a batten.
 7. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least one structural element in constructed of a resilient material.
 8. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the shower curtain shell is constructed from at least one of a fabric and a polymer.
 9. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least one structural element is constructed from at least one of wood, a plastic material, a fibrous material, and a metallic material.
 10. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket is coupled to the shower curtain shell via at least one of heat sealing, an adhesive, stitching, and a fastener.
 11. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, wherein a portion of the shower curtain shell forms the at least one pocket by forming a loop in the structured shower curtain.
 12. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pockets arranged between the first edge and the second edge.
 13. The structured shower curtain of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of structural elements adapted to be disposed in the plurality of pockets.
 14. The structured shower curtain of claim 1, further comprising a weighted element disposed at the lower portion of the shower curtain shell.
 15. A method of using a structured shower curtain, the method comprising: providing a shower curtain shell comprising an upper portion a lower portion, a first edge, and a second edge; disposing at least one pocket on the shower curtain shell, wherein the at least one pocket extends a length between the upper portion and the lower portion; disposing at least one structural element in the at least one pocket, wherein the at least one structural element has a first end, a second end, and an elongated portion between the first end and the second end and when viewed from a side view, the elongated portion protrudes outwardly from the first end and the second end, wherein upon disposing the at least one structural element in the at least one pocket, the shower curtain shell forms a protrusion between the upper portion and the lower portion when viewed from the side view.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein disposing the at least one structural element in the at least one pocket comprises coupling a plurality of sections of the at least one structural element together to form a desired length of the at least one structural element.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein disposing at least one pocket on the shower curtain shell comprises coupling the at least one pocket to the shower curtain shell via at least one of a heat seal, an adhesive, stitching, and a fastener.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein disposing at least one pocket on the shower curtain shell comprises forming a loop of material in the structured shower curtain.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising disposing a pocket on the shower curtain shell below a grommet hole adapted to support the shower curtain shell on a curtain rod.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising disposing a plurality of structural elements in the plurality of pockets. 